CVE-2014-5465 in Download Shortcode
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in force-download.php in the Download Shortcode plugin 0.2.3 and earlier for WordPress allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2024
The CVE-2014-5465 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Download Shortcode WordPress plugin version 0.2.3 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the force-download.php script which handles file download functionality for WordPress sites. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of the file parameter that controls which files can be accessed and downloaded through the plugin's interface. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that include directory traversal sequences such as .. to navigate outside the intended download directory and access arbitrary files on the server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic path traversal attack vector where user-supplied input is directly concatenated into file system operations without proper security checks. When a malicious user submits a request containing .. sequences in the file parameter, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize this input before using it in file operations. This allows attackers to bypass intended access controls and potentially read sensitive files such as configuration files, database credentials, wp-config.php, or other system files that should remain protected from public access. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the file system level and can provide attackers with unauthorized access to critical system information.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses significant risks to WordPress installations using the affected plugin version. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain access to sensitive data including database connection strings, administrator credentials, and other confidential information stored in the web server's file system. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers can potentially escalate their access by reading core WordPress files, plugin files, or theme files that may contain additional vulnerabilities or sensitive configuration details. This vulnerability also enables attackers to conduct reconnaissance activities by examining the server's file structure and identifying other potential attack vectors within the system.
The exploitation of CVE-2014-5465 aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachments) where attackers can use the ability to read arbitrary files to gather intelligence or deliver more sophisticated attacks. From a CWE perspective, this vulnerability maps to CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which specifically addresses the issue of insufficient validation of file paths that can lead to directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability also relates to CWE-352 - Cross-Site Request Forgery, as it can be exploited through web-based attacks that manipulate user sessions. Organizations should immediately update to the latest version of the Download Shortcode plugin and implement proper input validation measures to prevent such directory traversal attacks. Additionally, server-side restrictions including proper file permissions, directory isolation, and web application firewalls should be implemented to reduce the attack surface and prevent unauthorized file access even if the vulnerability exists in other parts of the system.